Eintracht Frankfurt is on the verge of selling winger Ritsu Doan to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Negotiations for a transfer fee of 17 million euros are in the final stages, with a potential additional four million in add-ons.
Doan, for whom Frankfurt paid SC Freiburg 21 million euros just one year ago, will now bring in at least 17 million euros again. The 28-year-old Japanese international was a key contributor last season. In the first half of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, he scored four goals and provided four assists. Five of Eintracht's seven wins during that period were largely down to his influence. However, under coach Albert Riera, he found himself less frequently in the starting lineup during the second half of the season.
Why is Eintracht Frankfurt selling Doan?
The sale is economically urgent for Eintracht. The club is in a financially strained situation and requires immediate revenue. The expected 17 million euros from the Doan deal represents a vital cash injection. Sporting director Markus Krösche must also use these funds to stabilize the squad for the ongoing season. Currently, Eintracht Frankfurt sits 8th in the Bundesliga with one point from one game, with a goal difference of 3:3. This leaves the team two points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The next opportunity to gain points is a home match against 4th-placed FC Augsburg on September 6th, as shown on the fixtures page.
What other transfer activity is happening?
Alongside the Doan negotiations, Krösche is working on strengthening the attack. A loan deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo is being prepared. The French striker was already active for Eintracht last season and could bolster the offensive line, especially with Ansgar Knauff and Jessic Ngankam currently sidelined. An overview of the squad is available on the squad page. For other potential departure candidates like Fares Chaibi, Hugo Larsson, or Jean-Matteo Bahoya, however, there are no concrete offers yet.
What does the move mean for the season planning?
Doan's impending departure requires a reorganization in the attacking midfield. His creative potential and goal contributions from the first half of last season need to be compensated for. The planned return of Kalimuendo would be a first step. The team must process this change quickly to keep pace in the league. The current standings show the competition is tight. The injury list, viewable on the injuries page, further complicates the personnel situation. The Saudi transfer window does not close until October 12th, giving Eintracht some time for potential succession planning. The coming weeks will show how the team under Albert Riera responds to the altered circumstances.
